Thoughts on Moving In

Yesterday marked the beginning of my first four years at Rutgers. Because I’m in the Honors Program, I got to move in early and stay in a special hall with other Honors students. In reality, we have a reserved floor in one of the residence halls on each campus. I’m living in Brett Hall on College Avenue, which I love and dislike at the same time (I won’t say hate, because it doesn’t evoke a visceral anger within me).

In one way, College Avenue is in the center of everything at Rutgers. More often than not, there is some event on College Avenue. There is also a lot of historical and cultural significance on this particular campus which makes the history buff in my weep for joy. On the other hands, College Avenue is infamously known as the “party campus” which isn’t necessarily incorrect. It hosts a lot of fraternity and sorority houses and is a brisk walk to the hustle and bustle of downtown New Brunswick. Take that what you will. I personally like being in the center of everything, but not necessarily in the center of everything, if that makes sense. There’s a lot to do on College Avenue, so while I won’t be up late house-hopping between frats, I will be up late snuggled up in a library or restaurant with a couple of friends.

My desk space. While I like to keep things organized, I also like to add a little charm to it (if you call hanging a picture of George Washington charming).

My room is a bit small for my liking, but it has a cozy feeling to it. Everything has its place and no space is wasted. If I had too much space I might be inclined to mess up my room a bit or slide around the empty space with my socks on with my roommate. Who knows. Besides that, my main focus isn’t of decorating my room but of my school supplies.

As you can see, I like to organize my workspace. Every notebook has its own purpose, is color-coded, and is decorated nicely. Some might say that this is over the top, but I like to call it “organized.”

If I was being honest, when I moved in and had everything set, it didn’t hit me that I would be by myself for the next couple of months. It was only until today that it hit me. I didn’t know my way around, where to go, what to do, where to eat. It was a bit overwhelming, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t scared. Rutgers is such a huge campus full with different people from all walks of life with every opportunity at your disposal. It’s difficult to wrap your head around at first, and I still haven’t fully realized it. I’m still uneasy and unsure of where the four years at Rutgers will take me, but I know I’ll get through it. Right now I’m supposed to be feeling scared and frightened, but it will soon subside. I hope incoming freshmen and you, prospective students, remind yourselves about this.